Boundary Commission ‘minded’ to reduce Council size in East Cambs

The Local Government Boundary Commission for England (LGBCE) has today written to East Cambridgeshire District Council to confirm it is ‘minded’ to support the reduction in Councillors at the authority from 39 to 27.

The decision follows a request from the District Council for the LGBCE to review the size of the authority in April 2014.

The LGBCE will now invite proposals from the Council, interested parties and members of the public on how the wards in the District could be reshaped to accommodate 27 Councillors.

Further to the necessary public consultation being undertaken and assessed – the new electoral arrangements for East Cambridgeshire will come into force for the elections in 2019.

Councillor James Palmer, Leader of East Cambridgeshire District Council, said: “Throughout the last few years, the District Council has transformed its structure to meet the challenges of a revolution in local government funding. During this process, I have been clear that Members of the authority should not be immune from the changes and the new commercial focus of the organisation needed to be supported by the governance of the Council. It is therefore great news that the Local Government Boundary Commission for England has supported our proposals to reduce the number of Councillors at the authority. This will make East Cambridgeshire the most member efficient local authority in England.

“There is still much work to be done to help shape the ward arrangements for the future but I’m looking forward to taking in part in discussions as part of the public consultation. Securing the Boundary Commission support for a reduction in the number of members at the Council is another sign that this District Council is committed to creating an organisation which can meet the needs of our residents and communities. Our aim is not just to make efficiency savings in the short term but to create an organisation to meet the challenges of the future – today’s news will help us to achieve this vision.”